https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-formal-dressy-footwear-is-hard-to-find-my-strategy Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:40:49 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-formal-dressy-footwear-is-hard-to-find-my-strategy/page/2#post-2295220 Thu, 08 Dec 2022 18:01:56 +0000 Angie 2295220@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SUCH a good idea to duplicate fab comfy shoes! I LOVE hauling out my second brand new pair when the first is finished.&nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks foe showing us your shoes! Go Team Happy Feet </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-formal-dressy-footwear-is-hard-to-find-my-strategy/page/2#post-2295162 Thu, 08 Dec 2022 14:35:46 +0000 Christina F. 2295162@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div><b>Carol</b>, those Eccos are great. They are from a few years ago, and I bought a second pair before they disappeared completely. I am now on that second pair. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The sparkly Converse are fun! I got them before the pandemic but they haven't seen much action during the past couple of years. That should change now!<br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-formal-dressy-footwear-is-hard-to-find-my-strategy/page/2#post-2295100 Thu, 08 Dec 2022 03:04:12 +0000 CarolS 2295100@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Christina --- Those sparkly Converse were available locally a year or so ago and now <i>I really wish I had picked then up at the time! (where have I heard that before....!?!)</p> <p></i>Also, I love your gold quilted Eccos -- I haven't seen that style before!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-formal-dressy-footwear-is-hard-to-find-my-strategy/page/2#post-2295096 Thu, 08 Dec 2022 01:50:32 +0000 Style Fan 2295096@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of gorgeous footwear to look at here.&nbsp; I have a pair of leopard print ballet flats on my shopping list.&nbsp; I think I may have found a pair.&nbsp; I like the idea of dressy booties.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />I still have my wedding shoes from 18 years ago.&nbsp; They are reasonably comfortable.&nbsp; They are black velvet low-heeled pumps.&nbsp; Very simple.&nbsp; There is an evening bag to match. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-formal-dressy-footwear-is-hard-to-find-my-strategy/page/2#post-2294925 Wed, 07 Dec 2022 14:41:01 +0000 Christina F. 2294925@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Chiming in from lurkdom to say that dressy footwear is always a problem me, in the winter. I have had some pointy-toed options that worked briefly in the past, but my feet have changed so much during the past few years. Anything with a pointy toe and even a slight heel won't work for me on NYC pavement, even if I am doing minimal walking. My feet just slide forward and hurt a lot, no matter how I modify the shoe to prevent that. (I am never doing no walking, even to formal events.) <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I hurt my pinky toe in August, which is making things even worse because while it feels okay mostly, it is a bit swollen. Also, I think I am starting to need a size up, and am slowly sorting through and replacing shoes as needed.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>These are basically my options, so actually pretty decent. (I think the Naturalizer loafers would still work, but I haven't tried them lately.) I wore the booties to a party at the Met museum recently, and while they were not the most comfortable, they were manageable. I am not 100% sure I can comfortably wear the black boots right now. If the knee high boots still fit me, they would look nice with skirts and dresses and are comfortable.</div><div><br /></div><div>I usually just wear my fun sneakers to stuff, which is very NYC anyway.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-formal-dressy-footwear-is-hard-to-find-my-strategy/page/2#post-2294920 Wed, 07 Dec 2022 14:29:13 +0000 Chris987 2294920@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Late to this party ... the last time I needed dressy shoes was 8 years ago when I had two weddings in one year. The higher heeled shoes I could wear back then are long gone, and I have not NEEDED anything dressier than regular footwear since then. I do have one pair of bone ankle strap pumps and some black sandals that boht pass for dressy but they really are not.&nbsp; I do wish I had at least one pair of slightly dressy shoes and am sure I could put them to good use if I had them. I tend to look around (online) for them from time to time, but not find anything suitable and give up. I can't wear heels above 2", ballet flats, or sling backs, and have a super poison eye for anything resembling a Maryjane, so very slim pickings. A lot of the fab shoes folks are showing here are slightly older styles and I don't see similar right now A black patent version of Angie's gold loafers might work. I need to make more of an effort :-)&nbsp; I like these Sam Edelman ones and they are are more "closed-in" than most ballet flats so might work.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-formal-dressy-footwear-is-hard-to-find-my-strategy/page/2#post-2294917 Wed, 07 Dec 2022 14:20:33 +0000 Sisi 2294917@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Excellent suggestions, thank you Angie! What a fun thread, it's been a pleasure to look at all these fab shoes while i am on the sofa at home with a flu. The only pair of "dressy" shoes i have at the moment are these black suede moccasins with a dachshund embroidered on them. They make me happy and are very comfortable! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-formal-dressy-footwear-is-hard-to-find-my-strategy/page/2#post-2294865 Wed, 07 Dec 2022 03:09:36 +0000 Jenni NZ 2294865@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve got over my embarrassment about the number! 3 definitely dressy sandals, all get worn. 4 winter dressy shoes, the black and white are a bit high, the highest, have tried them on and they are still wearable if not much walking.<br /> And 2 other flatter pairs that could be worn for dressy depending on outfit/ event. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-formal-dressy-footwear-is-hard-to-find-my-strategy/page/2#post-2294833 Tue, 06 Dec 2022 23:41:01 +0000 Jonesy 2294833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your dressy footwear collection is fab, Angie, and totally you! I agree about nabbing this type of shoe whenever you can find it. After seeing everyone's collections, I've realized I don't really have any dressy footwear. I tend to default to slim-fitting black ankle boots in the winter, and I haven't been to a dressy summer occasion in ages. Hmmm... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-formal-dressy-footwear-is-hard-to-find-my-strategy/page/2#post-2294775 Tue, 06 Dec 2022 19:27:49 +0000 Irina 2294775@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I finally donated a pair of evening shoes with heels that are too high for me now.&nbsp;<div>I don’t have anything bought specifically as dressy shoes. I bought these pumps for work but don’t wear it to the office anymore and they are now a special occasion shoes :)<br />Burgundy patent leather one is Aquatalia and black suede pair is Kate Spade. I guess I can wear my Vince navy suede mules, too but I mostly wear them with jeans.&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-formal-dressy-footwear-is-hard-to-find-my-strategy/page/2#post-2294774 Tue, 06 Dec 2022 19:27:31 +0000 Minaminu 2294774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>great post Angie - you have a lovely and varied collection! It takes time to find a special item and I am always hesitating as cost per wear can be very high... <br />In winter, I tend to use my silver pumps (5 years old now, still ok) and my black suede boots (4 years old, keeping well as I always waterproof them!).</p> <p>Would velvet pumps / mocassins work for a formal event?&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-formal-dressy-footwear-is-hard-to-find-my-strategy/page/2#post-2294757 Tue, 06 Dec 2022 18:35:56 +0000 Angie 2294757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for sharing what you have, want, and why you made the footwear decisions you have. Very helpful!&nbsp;</p> <p>Dressy shoes are less dressy than they used to be - and that's a good thing. Kinder to our feet :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-formal-dressy-footwear-is-hard-to-find-my-strategy/page/2#post-2294728 Tue, 06 Dec 2022 17:02:51 +0000 Bonnie 2294728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been able to get by with a pair of black booties for cold weather, white booties that work year round, and a pair of sandals for hot weather so far, but I'm thinking that neither of these will be dressy enough to attend a wedding as grandmother of the bride. Not that one is scheduled so far but I want to be ready with something comfortable and useful and not a flimsy last minute pair that I just settled for. Here is what I have and a few possibilities for a new purchase.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-formal-dressy-footwear-is-hard-to-find-my-strategy/page/2#post-2294725 Tue, 06 Dec 2022 16:21:49 +0000 Roberta 2294725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I lean on my rose gold Boden flats (below) for almost every dressy occasion. These are few so I am hoping they last forever. They don't quite work with everything, and I wish I had a silver equivalent.&nbsp;</p> <p>I second or third the recommendation for sleek cream boots in the winter. I had a pair and wore them out at work holiday events and parties. They had an odd one-piece rubber sole, so I couldn't resole them. I have a white pair but I really think cream or ivory is more versatile.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-formal-dressy-footwear-is-hard-to-find-my-strategy/page/2#post-2294721 Tue, 06 Dec 2022 16:02:11 +0000 nuancedream 2294721@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>YES!! to gold loafers and cream booties. I probably wear them more than any other footwear I own. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-formal-dressy-footwear-is-hard-to-find-my-strategy/page/2#post-2294720 Tue, 06 Dec 2022 15:47:01 +0000 CarolS 2294720@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The heaviness comment deterred me a bit too, April. But the “too wide” comment made me think there might be hope for my feet, even if they are lacking in support. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-formal-dressy-footwear-is-hard-to-find-my-strategy/page/2#post-2294717 Tue, 06 Dec 2022 15:34:29 +0000 April 2294717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also looked at those sneakers and the blingy ones are available in my size.&nbsp; I semi-convinced myself that since one reviewer's comment said "shoes are very heavy" they would not work for me.&nbsp; ;)</p> <p>BTW, I'm not 100% convinced.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-formal-dressy-footwear-is-hard-to-find-my-strategy/page/2#post-2294705 Tue, 06 Dec 2022 13:37:05 +0000 CarolS 2294705@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m with you, April - a flat (maybe 1” heel) boot, knee high on my leg (not over and not cutting in). Maybe a beige patent. Or a metallic, or a colour. Tibi has some gorgeous boots - well outside my price range and so I will tell myself also not a good fit for my foot - that serve as my inspiration. Ok universe, over to you….</p> <p>Meanwhile, still considering whether to take a leap on ordering the Betsey Johnson sneakers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-formal-dressy-footwear-is-hard-to-find-my-strategy/page/2#post-2294703 Tue, 06 Dec 2022 13:30:31 +0000 RobinF 2294703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So much eye candy here! I really need summer dressy and winter dressy. I had 2 winter weddings last year and no good shoes to wear. I ended up wearing some black suede wedge heel pumps that hurt after a few hours but did the job. I have summer ankle strap sandals in black and nude that serve most purposes. I am pretty picky about heel heights with certain dress lengths which doesn't help.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-formal-dressy-footwear-is-hard-to-find-my-strategy/page/2#post-2294699 Tue, 06 Dec 2022 13:14:42 +0000 April 2294699@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have perhaps too many boots (though they all get worn) but would love a flat boot in an unusual fabric.</p> <p>Shoe folks seem to think if it's not plain leather, it has to have a heel? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-formal-dressy-footwear-is-hard-to-find-my-strategy/page/2#post-2294698 Tue, 06 Dec 2022 13:11:20 +0000 Anonymous 2294698@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are my winter dressy boots, but TBH I haven't tried them on yet this year. Not sure I'll still be able to walk in the black ones!<br /> I have heeled ankle booties too, but they're just daily workwear to me.<br /> Been admiring these with the gold! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-formal-dressy-footwear-is-hard-to-find-my-strategy/page/2#post-2294693 Tue, 06 Dec 2022 12:32:33 +0000 Janet 2294693@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jessikams, yes to a fitted fabric/sock boot style! I think they work so well with skirts and dresses in winter because the snug fit can look so flattering on the ankle visible under a skirt! In fact, I always feel like the closer the ankle fit, in general, the dressier a boot can look. There are exceptions of course, but for me, avoiding any “flower pot” effect definitely helps elevate a boot style into dressier territory. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-formal-dressy-footwear-is-hard-to-find-my-strategy/page/2#post-2294686 Tue, 06 Dec 2022 11:52:18 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2294686@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jessikams, I appreciate that comment. I’ve wanted equestrian style boots forever. Nearly got some when my son was a baby, but low heels were $20 cheaper, and 3” heels $20 cheaper than that, so… Now that my tall brown boots with heels are wearing out, I’ve said for a couple years that I want equestrian boots. Haven’t found “the” ones, and now that I’m moving to horsey country, I’m skittish about them, sort of like when we lived on the High Plains of Texas &amp; I didn’t want to wear cowboy boots because there were so many people who worked on ranches. Brocade or something else “fancy” might be my answer—the sophistication I like in that cut of boot without looking like a wannabe rider. (Yes, I know how to ride a horse, and I stand on the same side of my bike as one does of a horse, but no, I’m not going to make it part of my life or join the horsey set). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-formal-dressy-footwear-is-hard-to-find-my-strategy/page/2#post-2294682 Tue, 06 Dec 2022 11:18:15 +0000 Jessikams 2294682@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me it was a total game-changer to discover dressy fabric boots! Especially tall boots. They make formal dressing in winter soooooo much easier for those who have cold toes like me. And it prevents the whole “what kind of tights or socks” debacle. </p> <p>I currently have a pair of boots that are sorta brocade-ish, with a bit of shimmer. But have my eye on satin and furry pairs too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-formal-dressy-footwear-is-hard-to-find-my-strategy#post-2294679 Tue, 06 Dec 2022 10:43:56 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2294679@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I never realize what a hole I have here. For summer I have my Clark skin back sandals, and maybe my red clog sandals would work, but dressy…? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-formal-dressy-footwear-is-hard-to-find-my-strategy#post-2294677 Tue, 06 Dec 2022 09:54:33 +0000 lyn67 2294677@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, Angie, I would so like to see&nbsp; you dressed up&nbsp; to that holiday dinner -as it sounds indeed smashing and very 2023!! <br />Loved this thread with all your examples of dressy footwear. <br />For the colder season's&nbsp; events I usually did&nbsp; lower cut black suede booties with moderate heels or pointy toe block heel ankle strap pumps (still have them) but nowadays I do&nbsp; more&nbsp; lower block heeled midcalf or long to the knee sock boots and some&nbsp; block heeled higher patent booties in black, burgundy or tan. I only wore the tan ones for Easter, so that's why I would like so much to see you sporting those cream patent boots with the navy tulle skirt....:-) </p> <p>Then, I am now eyeing these ballet flats from Zara as theiy have a matte brushed gold (and not that sparkly) embelishment as these look great esp. for hosting at home.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.zara.com/hu/en/embellished-ballet-flats-p12573010.html?v1=222158779http://">https://www.zara.com/hu/en/emb.....779http://</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-formal-dressy-footwear-is-hard-to-find-my-strategy#post-2294675 Tue, 06 Dec 2022 08:18:53 +0000 Zaeobi 2294675@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Suz<br /> I can also vouch for the comfort of Eileen Fisher pumps! Though mine don't have the helpful strap that yours do - I did see that style, but it sold out fast in the taupe colour </p> <p>@CarolS<br /> Try holding a photo of the shoes up to your projected dressy outfits to help you decide </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-formal-dressy-footwear-is-hard-to-find-my-strategy#post-2294674 Tue, 06 Dec 2022 08:12:05 +0000 Zaeobi 2294674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm learning that 'dressy' is quite subjective - since moving to HK, I've finally accepted my lifestyle is now more casual than it was in the UK. I've therefore left my dressy black shoes in the UK &amp; have bought here accordingly (my strategy is the same as yours @Angie - many of these shoes should be recognisable from my previously posted shoe haul). </p> <p>Photo #1 are my current 'dressy' shoes, in order of formality, from right to left:<br /> ~ Very Casual: gold slip-on D'orsays flatforms &amp; velcro golden sandals,<br /> ~ Work Shoes: D'orsays with a helpful strap! Slightly shiny 'purple maroon' loafers &amp; the chocolate Oxfords @Nadya helpfully posted: <a href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hewi-found-chocolate-brown-oxfords" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....wn-oxfords</a><br /> ~ 'Actual' Dressy footwear: I rescued the bronze Pure Tones by flattening the back to wear as mules! The leaf/ feather slides also work for indoor parties, but in hotter weather. Plus the one pair of heels I never wear in walkable HK (maybe if I had a car?)</p> <p>Photo #2 is because I've realised that's the majority of my shoes lol! All that remains are my gear (actual sports trainers, hiking shoes, house slippers) &amp; my boots (pictured) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-formal-dressy-footwear-is-hard-to-find-my-strategy#post-2294671 Tue, 06 Dec 2022 07:56:18 +0000 Sal 2294671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are my dressy options although some get worn casually too. I also have some camel heels that are not shown.</p> <p>I am well covered in summer, but not as much in winter. But that is where ny need is.</p> <p>The black pumps and gold sandals were carefully chosen to fill gaps. The others have been serendipitous finds. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-formal-dressy-footwear-is-hard-to-find-my-strategy#post-2294669 Tue, 06 Dec 2022 07:23:26 +0000 Jenni NZ 2294669@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I could easily be embarrassed as to how many dressy shoe options I have… will think about if I wish to reveal!<br /> Returning 2 fuchsia pairs tomorrow that don’t fit, sob sob… </p>